§ MR. T. R. BUCHANAN (Aberdeenshire, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for India, whether the total number of Indian troops now at Suakin is, as stated in a telegram on Friday, 4,481; what is the cause of this large increase in the force from 2,498, the number named by him on 2nd June; and what will be the estimated charge per month for ordinary expenses of the total Indian force now at Suakin, or under orders to go there?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONThere has been no increase in the number of Indian troops at Suakin, as given in my reply to the hon. Member on the 2nd June. In addition to these there are a considerable number of camp followers, but even if these are included, the total would fall short of 4,481.
§ MR. BUCHANANWill the number to be charged for to the Indian Government be the number which the noble Lord mentioned on June 2?
§ LORD GEORGE HAMILTONYes, that will be the total number charged for.